The Federal Government, through the Extension Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS) on Wednesday, trained and empowered 236 farmers in Kogi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the One Day training organised by the ministry was undertaken by its Consultant, Prof. Bolaji Adeniji of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
The 236 farmers were divided into three enterprises and were actually trained into agro businesses: Crop, Poultry and Aquaculture.
The crop farmers, were empowered with varieties of improved seeds (Rice and Maize) and multi cultural seedlings (Tomatoes, Okro and Peppers), while the livestock farmers got a carton of 25 day old chicks and two bags of feeds each.
For the Aqua-culture farmers, each of them were empowered with two bags of Cat Fish feeds.
Addressing the benefitting sets of farmers, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Temitope Peter-Fadeshemi, described the training as “vital” and “apt” to the nation’s drive for food production and security.
Represented by Mr Ayuba Shekamang, FMAFS State Director/Coordinator, the permanent secretary said government expected a lot from the beneficiaries.
“Government expects al beneficiaries to use the training acquired and the materials received to boost food production in the state.
“It’s on record today that FMAFS has trained and empowered 236 small holder farmers through its extension department in Kogi, for the desired ripple effects in food production.
“We know that in no distant time, Easter and Salah Festive seasons will soon be around, and so, expect the poultry farmers to raise their birds within three months for sale and disposal.
“Also, the multi cultural crops are expected to be ready within three months, and at the end of the farming season, we hope to see them selling their produces and getting more money to repeat the cycle.
“It’s our belief that when the farmers keep repeating the cycle, it’s expected that they will no doubt, expand their businesses, and get richer to feed their families, communities, the state and the nation at large,” he said .
Peter-Fadeshemi assured Nigerian citizens of the readiness and commitment of the agriculture ministry toward massive food production and security, to ward off hunger and starvation in the country.
He said all that was needed was for farmers to be resolute in whichever farming activity they were into as “government is ready to cooperate and support farmers with the necessary inputs to succeed.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to NAN expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, especially the agric ministry, for the training and empowerment.
To Deborah Akanbi, a poultry farmer, described the gesture as the best thing that had ever happened to her line of business and prayed God to bless the organisers of the training.
“Aside the materials I got here today, I am going home a more informed and knowledgeable poultry farmer, who can do better in the business, ” she said.
Jamiu Abisetu-Onozare, thanked the Federal Government for the training and packages, which he described as”very encouraging ” and “crucial ” to boosting of food production in Kogi and Nigeria as a whole.(NAN)
By Thompson Yamput
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